Friday, January 4, 2013

Indiana Republican Introduces School Prayer Bill

Sen. Dennis Kruse, R-Auburn, has filed a bill that would allow school
districts to require the recitation of the Lord’s Prayer, though
individual students could opt out if they or their parents preferred.

With
Republicans holding overwhelming majorities in both the Indiana House
and Senate and former U.S. Rep. Mike Pence preparing to take office as
governor, some critics have anticipated an easy path for certain
socially conservative issues in this year’s legislature.

But Pence, also a Republican, has said his focus is on the issues of taxes,
education and jobs, not social issues. And House Speaker Brian Bosma,
R-Indianapolis, has echoed that, saying Republicans in the House “all
understand our focus. . . . We’re going to focus on what’s important:
budget integrity, job creation and improving education.”

How exactly is a school-led Christian prayer not a breach of the first amendment?